Tech, Autos, & Gear in Layman's Terms Since 2006

When Dan assigned me another iPad stand to review, my first thought was, “Oh great, another stand. How can this one be any better than all the others?” The stand seemed overly simplistic, and I wondered how effective and useful it could truly be. When I got home and tested out the case, I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, the simplicity of Newer Technology’s NuGuard GripStand is one of its major strengths. Unlike some other cases on the market, the GripStand focuses less on appearances and more on its functionality, which I’ve come to appreciate.

In order to remove the paper packaging without ripping it, you will need to remove the stand in the back. You simple squeeze together the two sides the plastic stand, and it easily separates from the rest of the stand.

Replacing the stand and inserting the iPad is extremely easy and intuitive. You simply press the top two corners in first and then the bottom two until the iPad feels secure.

One great feature of the NuGuard GripStand is that the stand is completely adjustable. It rotates a full 360 degrees, allowing you to customize your viewing position.

I’ve noticed that some cases offer flexibility at a cost of strength. Sometimes, the more flexible a stand is, the weaker it is. However, this is not the case with the GripStand. I trust this stand to hold my case in any position for an extended period of time, which is something I could not say even for Apple’s very own SmartCase.

The GripStand’s edges are slightly raised to offer some protection against any face-down falls that the iPad may experience. I would actually like to see a more pronounced edge as many cell phone cases have, but the protection it provides now is better than nothing.

Finally, the GripStand may also be used as a case. All you need to do is turn the iPad around and install it face first into the shell. My only concern here is that when you want to put the iPad down, you will probably place it down so that the iPad is against the table, since the stand does not allow the case to rest flat on the table. However, I do not view this as a major disadvantage of the case.

I love how I can use the stand in conjunction with my iPad keyboard!

At an MSRP of $29.99 as listed on Newer Technology’s website, this is definitely a stand that you should consider.

MSRP: $29.99

What I Like: Simple; Reliable; Easy to use; Sleek

What Needs Improvement: Add a more pronounced edge to better protect the screen from accidental falls; Find a way for the stand to lie flat on its back to avoid having to place the iPad directly against the table

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

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I'm probably one of the busiest people you'll ever meet. As a high school teacher by day and a grad school student/cook/athlete by night, I appreciate any technology that can help make my life more manageable. I also revel in anything that provides an escape from the world of grading and writing essays.
I'm interested in using technology in the classroom and have vowed to never become that teacher who can't keep up with her students' cool new gadgets and sneaky ways of doing shady things during class.